I really enjoyed this book and found it to be a captivating story with sympathetic characters. The surprise revealed midway was unexpected and this made it even more intriguing. I enjoyed learning so much more about bees than I had previously known - an unexpected and pleasant surprise.

With thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Random House Canada for early access to this title though a provided eARC.

Everything Jodi Picoult touches is gold.

No one does research like Picoult and any book she writes shows, it’s thorough and engaging and Mad Honey is no different.

What a thought provoking book with just enough suspense and tenderness.

LOVED.

Not my favourite by this author. I found the pacing slow and I wasn't intrigued by the story enough.

I enjoyed this dual author book. I'm impressed with the way they seamlessly added their two stories together.
The story started off strong but somewhere I tired of reading about the thoughts of Lily. The topics were very over explained and irrelevant to the plot really and I ended up skipping pages. The flipping back and forth to past and present at times confused and I frequently was lost as to how far before, or after the "incident" the story was.
Also very early on I had predicted the guilty person and was annoyed that the police or the defence investigation never looked further into the other possible scenarios.

Thanks for the opportunity to read this book.

Regular readers of Jodi Picoult will definitely love this latest edition to her works. Even though it’s billed as a mystery, t’s not as much of a who dunnit as a character exploration, but it’s written beautifully in a style fans will love.

Mad Honey and The Book of two ways are my two top favourites of Jodi Picoult. The book of two ways more than any other however mad honey is definitely second and I've read all of Picoult's books. I love how she educates the reader on matters that are perhaps not completely related to the story but are so beautifully woven into the story such as beekeeping in this story. Loved it.

Mad Honey was a beautifully written story, showing us what it means to truly love someone. Jodi Picoult and Jennifer Boylan do a wonderful job weaving together themes of abuse, suicide, LGBTQ+, love, hate and murder/mystery in a delicate and cohesive manner.

The story follows two women, Olivia, and her son's girlfriend, Lily. Olivia is starting over in her hometown with her son Asher, following an abusive relationship with his father. She is raising Asher on her own, healing from the abuse and returning to her career as a beekeeper, when her world.is.turned upside down. Lily, is also starting over as a girl, after fleeing from her traumatic childhood where her father could not accept her bring transgender. She is learning to heal and find herself as she experiences the love that Asher has to give, when her life is cut short. The last half of the novel follows Olivia as she struggles to support Asher during the murder trial, and it also dives into Lily's past to learn about her childhood.

The book has many twists and turns filled with emotion. There are many uplifting moments as well as devastatingly heartbreaking ones that truly make you feel it all. I would highly recommend this book, but be prepared for the emotion that comes along with it.
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC.

Well… that was unexpected and full of feels. AND THAT ENDING……WHATTTT???!!!!!

So somehow I liked every single one of the characters. Even though you may not have anything in common with them, they were all so relatable. It sucks that in a world full of horrors even the special little moments can get taken away. This book was so well written from both Olivia and Lily’s point of view that both characters shone through so clearly. They were each so so different and yet both so so strong.

This book is full of emotional rollercoasters. One minute you’re happy, the other terrified, the next mortified, gut wrenching, then sad, and then happy again. It pulled at my heartstrings and made me a slave to its feelings right until the end… because little do you know, the end is just as shocking as the beginning. Excellent.

ARC received in exchange for an honest review.

I liked the story, the issues it raises, and the classic Jodi Picoult style it takes. I just think I’m personally kind of over the whole dramatic courtroom that takes a turn because of one simple discovery or the suspect taking the stand. Idk; it’s just so reused in many JP books, I’m just bored.

I will definitely be checking out Jennifer’s book though! I’d love to read her writing style a lot more and see what her book is all about :)

I finished this book last night and cannot think about anything else. I started it before it was published and the first few pages at that time just weren’t gripping my attention. Move to this past week and I wanted to pick it up again and this time could not put it down.

Lily’s story is such an important one especially with the way we’re seeing things change in some places for the worse lately. I loved it was part informational about Lily & also bees (anyone else getting BeeTok videos lately?) but also really was a mystery at the core. Dual timelines and perspectives always win me over in books. I enjoy getting pieces of information revealed through different characters at varying points in time while trying to figure out who did it.

Highly recommend this one!

Thank you to @netgalley , the authors and @penguinrandomca for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

#bookstagram #bookish #bookworm #bookwormsofinstagram #igreads #booksofinstagram #crimewithaclaw #thepageflippers #bookishbabesengagement #bookishgroup #bookishbunch #booksfriendswithbenefits #netgalleyreview #madhoney #honey

When Lily, the new girl in town, ends up dead at the bottom of her stairs, in the arms of her boyfriend Asher, it is thought that Asher pushed her in a fit of rage. The book follows the trial as Asher is convicted of her death.
Alternating between current timeline of the trial as told by Asher’s beekeeper mom Olivia, and Lilys perspective starting just before her death and going backwards in time to when her and Asher met at the beginning of the school year. We see in depth about the two families complex pasta, and how similar, and different, families can be.

Thank you Netgalley, Penguin Random House Canada, Random House Canada and Jodi Picoult for free e-ARC in return of my honest review.

"Mad Honey" is a gripping novel that combines elements of suspense, romance, and self-discovery. The story follows Olivia McAfee, who finds herself starting over in her sleepy New Hampshire hometown after her picture-perfect life in Boston crumbles. Taking over her father's beekeeping business, Olivia crosses paths with Lily Campanello, a newcomer to town seeking a fresh start. Their lives become intertwined when Olivia's son, Asher, falls for Lily, leading to a series of events that unravel secrets and test their trust.

The author skillfully weaves together multiple themes, creating a narrative that keeps readers engaged from start to finish. The exploration of starting over and rebuilding one's life is a central theme in the novel. Both Olivia and Lily have experienced upheavals in their pasts, and their journey towards finding stability and happiness forms a compelling backdrop for the story.

The suspense element of the novel adds an intriguing layer to the plot. When Lily tragically dies and Asher becomes a suspect, Olivia is faced with the challenge of defending her son while grappling with doubts about his innocence. The author expertly builds tension and keeps readers guessing as the case against Asher unfolds, revealing hidden secrets and unexpected twists.

The love story between Lily and Asher is tender and heartfelt. Their connection brings joy and happiness to both characters, but it is also tinged with uncertainty and doubt. The author explores the complexities of trust and the risks we take in relationships, adding depth to the romance aspect of the story.

The writing style is engaging and evocative, allowing readers to immerse themselves in the small-town setting of Adams, New Hampshire. The descriptions of beekeeping and the honey-making process add a unique and fascinating element to the narrative, enhancing the overall reading experience.

While "Mad Honey" is a captivating and well-crafted novel, there are moments when the pacing slows down, particularly during the exploration of the characters' pasts. However, these moments are balanced by the suspenseful plot and the emotional depth of the story.

In conclusion, "Mad Honey" is a riveting novel that combines suspense, romance, and self-discovery. With its well-developed characters, intriguing plot, and evocative writing, this book offers an engaging reading experience. Fans of suspenseful love stories and those who enjoy exploring the complexities of human relationships will find "Mad Honey" to be a satisfying and thought-provoking read.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.

I really enjoyed reading Mad Honey, I learned so many interesting facts about bees and making honey!
It was such a wonderful and gripping story and even though it was written by two authors, Jodi Picoult and Jennifer Finney Boylan, I found that the story flowed and wasn't able to tell apart the writing styles of each author.

A new town means new beginnings and that's what Lily Campanello was hoping for when her and her mom moved to a small town. Olivia McAfee also wanted the same, a new beginning as she moved back to her childhood home to take over her father's bee keeping business and to raise her son Asher. Both Asher and Lily were in their final year of high school and end up falling in love.

A tragic accident ends Lily's life and Asher is the prime suspect. Olivia knows her son is innocent but there's a slight possibility that he may not be given who his father is. There are some things that just can't be left behind, no matter how much you want to.

I was in suspense until the very end when the truth about what happened was finally revealed. There was a wonderful innocence and pure love in Asher and Lily's relationship, as any teen in love would relate to. The story was gripping, touching and very relevant to todays youth.

There is something about Jodi Picoult books that always grab me, and make me want to read it all in one sitting. Mad Honey did the same and I stayed up till 2am one night to finish it. I love that it was dual authored but didn’t feel like it, the writing blending seamlessly. I am not familiar with Jennifer Finney Boylan’s work but I now want to read more from her.

Olivia moves back to her family’s home to raise her son Asher and get them away from her abusive husband.
Asher is a popular hockey player, and when he meets the new girl to school Lily, there are instant sparks, but Lily has moved to town to get a new beginning and has somethings she doesn’t want to share.
One day Olivia gets a call from Asher, he is at the police station and Lily is dead. Olivia wants to believe in Asher’s innocence but also sees flashes of his fathers temper and as secrets come out, her trust of her sons innocence comes into question.

I love books that flow back and forth between present and past as we learn more about the characters. I also really enjoyed learning about Bee Keeping - you can see some influences from Picoult’s Book of Two Ways, which I really enjoyed as well.
If you have enjoyed books with a past and present format or enjoyed books from these authors before, I would definitely recommend picking up this one.

Thank you NetGalley and Penguin Random House Canada for an ARC of this wonderful book.

Mad Honey was an incredibly tragic and moving love story between two teenagers. It depicted the good, the bad, and everything in between. Picoult is known for writing tear-jerking novels, and this was no exception.

The story alternated between Olivia's point of view, in the present, and Lilly's point of view, in the past. Olivia is a beekeeper and single mother of a teenage boy accused of his girlfriend Lilly's murder. Despite the darkness she sometimes witnesses in her son, fleetingly reminding her of her abusive ex-husband, Olivia will protect her son at all cost.

This story explored the complexities of love and relationships: mother and son relationships, mother and daughter relationships, girlfriend and boyfriend relationships, sister and brother relationships, and husband and wife relationships. No relationship is ever simple, or ever what it appears on the surface. Yes, there is love, but there is pain and there are secrets and this story will break it down in a raw, emotional way.

Mad Honey will appeal to those who enjoyed the Beartown trilogy: the pace, tragedy, and impact reminded me of Backman's books.

⚠️ Potential trigger warnings: domestic abuse, sexual abuse, murder, self-harm, suicide, abortion, transphobia (may not be an exhaustive list)

I received a gifted electronic copy of Mad Honey from NetGalley and Penguin Random House Canada, but this review represents my honest opinions.

Thank you to NetGalley for the chance to read and review the book Mad Honey by Jodi Picoult and Jennifer Finney Boylan. This is the story of Olivia McAfee (sister of Jordan McAfee a famous defense attorney who was a character previously developed by Picoult; along with his wife Selena, a top investigator), and her 18-year-old son Asher Fields who is charged with the murder of his girlfriend, Lily Campanello. I liked the throwback to characters that I knew and the fast-paced way it is written, as well as the interesting twists that are hallmarks of Picoult's work. I really like that she collaborated with Finney Boylan as I thought that made the plot more authentic and believable. I also enjoyed reading about their collaboration after reading the book. Picoult's books are always topical and easy to read. I would recommend this one.

Thanks to Net Galley & Random House for allowing me to read the AC of this novel
I rate it 4.5 stars
I could not stop reading this book , it is quite a complex novel covering very relevant societal issues
It tells the story of 2 families - Olivia McAffee, single mother of high school senior Asher
She has relocated from Boston , where she was married to a brilliant surgeon. He became increasingly abusive and she finally decided to escape. She returns to her family home in New Hampshire ,
lives in the house she grew up in and takes over her fathers bee keeping business. And oh by the way you do learn a little about beekeeping which I found very interesting
- Lilly Camponello and her mother have relocated there for her final year of high school and looks forward to a fresh start. I’ll leave out details of her journey as it would be a spoiler
Asher and Lilly cross paths in school, fall for each other and begin a sometimes troubled relationship
Suddenly Lilly is found dead and Asher is charged with her murder
This book covers LBGTQ issues, abuse, suicide , gender equality all modern social issues
Definitely a really addictive page turned

Thank you so much to Netgalley for access to this wonderful book. It did take me some time to get into it and get through it, but I ended up savouring this wonderful read. I will definitely be checking out more books by these authors in the future. Thank you!

Mad Honey is the story of Lily and Olivia, who are starting over in Adams, New Hampshire. Their paths cross when Olivia's son, Asher, falls for Lily. Then one day, Lily is found dead, Asher is being questioned by police, and secrets are revealed.

I was immediately hooked on this story, constantly searching for more opportunities in my day to sneak away and get a few more pages in, which is a rarity for me with ebooks. It's got all that good court intrigue wrapped up in some stellar writing. I mean, they made factoids about bees feel natural, beautiful and fascinating in the middle of a court drama (although some were a little TMI - #iykyk)

There is so much more I want to say about what I loved, but this is one of those stories where talking about what you love will ruin the story for those who have yet to read it 🤦🏼‍♀️

On that note, I should also say that this book is extremely heavy and graphic on the trigger warnings and I haven't really seen anyone posting specifically what they are, likely because they quite clearly reveal the big plot twist in the story. I'd say if you have some triggers, to perhaps check in with someone who has read it to make sure it's a safe read for you.

The story tackles a wide range of social issues, but almost too many, which made some feel more thought out and developed, while others felt random and out of place.

I'd recommend this one for those who love addictive court dramas with substance and a literary flair.

Thank you @penguinrandomca @netgalley for my advanced copy 💕

I likely would not have read this book had I not received a copy through netgalley, but I'm really glad I did. It was very suspenseful (I have seldom, if ever, felt so much anxiety about the outcome of a trial), the characters were believable and honest, and it touched on a number of important, hot-button issues. It was very poignant reading a story narrated in part from the point of view of a dead girl, and it's to the author's credit that they created such a vivid and memorable character.

I have two complaints, one serious, one probably me being a bit curmudgeonly. The serious complaint is about the murder investigation. The prosecution's case was so circumstantial that it was hard to believe it would ever come to trial, but perhaps even worse was the complete lack of any attempt to investigate if not the prime suspect, then who? One can't help thinking that if the defence's investigator had interviewed any of the other people connected to the victim, something would have come out. This feeling was intensified by the ultimate "reveal."

The curmudgeonly bit is that the whole bee metaphor got really tired. But you could skip all the bee stuff without losing anything important.

Overall, though, this was an excellent murder mystery/courtroom drama/relationship novel that I wouldn't hesitate to recommend.